Episode Details

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common estate planning questions I get: Is a will enough? Or do I need a trust?

I break down when a will might be appropriate — and why, in most cases here in California, it falls short. Especially if you own real estate or have young kids, relying on just a will could cost your family tens of thousands of dollars and years of court time.

You'll learn:

• What a will actually does (and doesn't do)

• Why a will does NOT avoid probate in California

• The types of people who might be okay with a will

• When a living trust becomes essential

• How probate works — and why we want to avoid it at all costs

• Why control matters when passing assets to kids or beneficiaries

• The 2 other must-have documents: Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive

Whether you're starting your estate plan or just trying to figure out the difference between a will and a trust, this episode will give you a solid foundation.

👋 I'm Michael Pevney, an estate planning lawyer based in Orange County. I help families all over California set up custom estate plans that protect what they've built and avoid court.

🔗 Book a free strategy session with me at

https://www.ocestateplanlawyer.com

📍 Pevney Estate Planning, PC

25201 Paseo de Alicia, Suite 140

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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